Boxing figures such as Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, and Juan Manuel Marquez, former world champion in four divisions, have advice for anyone who wants to put on the gloves: take it seriously. The warning is for influencer boxers, a label often associated with someone like Jake Paul.
His words come after what happened at the Arena Monterrey with Ring Royale, an event promoted by Poncho de Nigris. This show was presented as a boxing event with exhibition fights between influencers and social media figures.
Both Sulaiman and Marquez are concerned about these types of shows because they put the lives of those who get into the ring to fight at risk without knowledge or preparation. Both agree that boxing is a serious sport that should not be played with.
Very dangerous, because boxing is not a game. You can’t play boxing; it’s a high-risk contact sport that depends on excellent physical preparation and the conditions of the individuals
Juan Manuel Marquez had already warned
The former Mexican champion had already been speaking out for some time about the danger of introducing and involving influencers in professional boxing fights, especially when they are faced with experienced fighters who are not going to hold back or lend themselves to denigrate themselves in exchange for the spectacle. An example of what can happen was seen in December 2025 with the fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul.
They’re ruining boxing: YouTubers, influencers. It just shouldn’t be possible. I respect them, sure, but I don’t like that kind of thing because they don’t have a process. What do I mean by that? There’s no amateur process. These YouTubers don’t train. Some don’t even run, exercise or go to the gym
Jake Paul, an example of what can happen when you’re not a boxer
Overwhelmed by the pressure, power and experience of Anthony Joshua, Paul fell to the canvas in the sixth round after failing to respond to the English heavyweight’s combinations, one of which landed squarely on his chin and required subsequent surgery.Reports indicated that he suffered a fractured jaw in two places as a result of the blow. The injuries have left him more vulnerable and at risk of a more serious consequence if he insists on wanting to face experienced opponents or ranked contenders.
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